Confessions of a Waiter: The Good, the Bad and the Downright Outrageous Side of the Hotel Industry

by David Woodward

‘Oh La La!! A highly entertaining, amusing and brutally honest look not only into the world of hospitality, but also David’s own life journey.’ – Fred Sirieix, author of Secret Service

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a top hotel? From the glamour of the Swiss Alps to the hustle and bustle of the Kings Road, long-serving hotelier David Woodward has seen it all. For the past thirty years, he has spent his days hosting, serving and peering into the world of celebrity. But all that glitters is not gold. With unflinching honesty, David takes readers behind the scenes of the hospitality industry, revealing the joy, stress, drama and secrets that come with being a waiter. Confessions of a Waiter is a revealing and captivating memoir, filled with unexpected twists and entertaining anecdotes. Join David on a whirlwind voyage of discovery, as he shares the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

382 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2023

Reviews

[Dan Quijote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is a cabaret, with its ups and downs, ain't it?

Mr Woodward’s book very much reminds me of Ernest Hemingway’s memoir “A Moveable Feast” – highlighting deeply personal, but stressful experiences and hilarious anecdotes of living and working abroad, as well as using a very direct, honest and humorous language as a seasoning, making every page warmly affectionate, witty, interesting, joyful and colorful.
It is well-known that any book’s most important asset is its readers. That’s why, by finding an effective, catchy title, David Woodward managed to attract their attention and hopefully increase the chances for a good sale ab initio.
For whom the bell tolls and to whom is this book addressed? For himself, family and friends, for the people within the hospitality industry, or for all of us positioned on the other side of the fence? The author’s very words:
“Over the years, there have been several extraordinary people I have met, celebrities I have served, and friendships I have cherished. There have also been several establishments that I have been lucky enough to work at or have visited that have had a large bearing on my life.”

The book is like a non-fiction novel written in a memoir form. And yes, the audience feels fully immersed and involved in the so relatable story, even though they did not get to live the same life experiences.
Thought-provoking and relevant, “Confessions of a Waiter” objectively deserves more attention, and gets an overall 5-star rating from me.

[Wings for Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What truly upraises the “Confessions” is David’s distinctive British self-deprecating humour and genuine warmth. He finds irony in everyday situations and treats his mates -from eccentric colleagues to demanding patrons- with surprising empathy. Mr Woodward weaves also in personal stories, offering glimpses into his life's struggles and achievements.

David Woodward is much more than a waiter. Yes, unlike me, he can carry a tray without spilling the drinks, but he is also a successful businessman with proven managerial skills, a relentless fighter, a loving father, and a caring son. Innately talented with words, having A levels in Latin, English literature, and history, David seems to have been predestined for writing. And he is a good wordsmith, not just a ‘king of the blah de blah’ – as his good friend Pascal described him once. Then how did it happen to get involved in the hospitality business?

A 5-star rating from me.

[A M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a wonderful book to read, it gives a remarkable insight view of the hospitality industry. It’s funny to read and very enjoyable. Once you start reading the book, it keeps you pulling to read more. It’s fascinating the balance which David tries to find during his journey in the hospitality business and his personal life. What makes the book very touching is his honesty and down to earth view on all kind of situations which are passing the revenue and his way how to deal with it. It really feels as you are coming along on Davids’s journey in the better moments and the more difficult moments. The book really gives you a peek behind “the waiter”.

A wonderful debut, hope there will be a follow up.

[Peter Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book, very enjoyable, I learned a lot about the hotel world, celebrities, etc, which was interesting. But what kept me turning the pages was the author's personal quest for completion and balance in his life and how he dealt with his failed marriages and his overly strong willed Mother, yet continued to work, rolling up his sleeves and just getting down to it. A real story about real life with all it's contradictions and shades of gray that inhabit the many recesses of our hearts and minds.

[Louise Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all, wonderful humour, sadness and an insight into the world of hospitality for the rich and famous. A very open and humble account of the ups and downs of this industry and the impact on family life. It is a book you won’t want to put down, you will laugh out loud and imagine being in some of the finest hotels/restaurants in the world. David was clearly talented and passionate about his work and now he has shown that he has a great talent for writing. Here’s to the second book!

[Kate Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and relevant, this brilliant book not only provides an insight into the hospitality world but also the ups and downs of daily life, which I found so relatable. Delightfully written and hard to put down, it contains many touching personal moments as well as halirious stories, which had me laughing from page to page. There is something in this book for everyone. A brilliant debut and I really hope there will be more to come from this captivating author.

[Francis Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does something that is really quite rare in autobiographical works: he writes with transparency and honesty. Of course, most authors claim to do this, but Confessions Of A Waiter is remarkably devoid of the self-aggrandisement so typical of works in this category. Mr Woodward faces hard truths head on, and the result is a book that is genuinely funny, genuinely insightful, and makes the world of hospitality behind the curtain feel very real. A higly entertaining read!

[Susy Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a waiter not only has memorable amusing anecdotes about life in the catering industry, but also shows one person's struggle to acheive a dream and has numerous personal insights and struggles.
It also glimpses into the world of celebrity and will be read with interest by those who follow the tv show, Channel 4s four in a bed. This book will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Highly recommended.

[Suzanne Churcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

David has shown in his memoirs that going that extra mile for his clients opens the door to the serendipitous events of life that transforms a job into not just a means to an end but a successful and enjoyable journey of realising the best of your abilities. An entertaining, informative and at times touching read. For someone like myself who is new to the world of catering it is a gem of 'how to do it'.

[Duncan Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very entertaining book - well written and extremely honest, at times I suspect painfully so, but there is definitely no sugar coating here and the book is excellent for that. It feels written from David’s heart and there seem to have been plenty of ups and downs but no hint of looking for sympathy - just sharing what has been an eventful life, so far! Would definitely recommend it.

[Jürgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to slow myself down in the last chapter as I realised the book is coming to an end. I finished and wanted more but resigned to the fact it won't be. Nobody captures the experience of working in this crazy industry better than David. The best writing is honest writing -- and it doesn't get more honest than this. It's wicked, funny, touching and fascinating. Blah-de-blah!!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book so quick to read as it gripped me and I wanted to know what happened next. It made me laugh so much and not only showed an insight into the hospitality industry but also the personal life of David and his life experiences. By the end of the book I felt like I knew him and could relate to some of his stories. Definitely well worth a read and laugh

[Jude Storton · Rating 5 out of 5]

David’s life and times, and insights into the hospitality industry make you laugh, gasp and double take.
It has humour, pathos and so much heart.
I would read the book just for tales of David’s mum.
A gem of a book and a gem of a man.

[Ann Tolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, warm and funny insight into real life experiences in the hospitality industry.
What an interesting life David has lived, from learning the trade in Switzerland to owning his own business.
So amusingly written, I enjoyed every page.

[Richard Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real page turner. It’s very witty and honest and I had no idea of what shenanigans goes on in the Restaurant and hotel world . I recommend it to anyone, in or out of the hospitality trade !

[Chris Waylett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife read this book first and loved it. After reading it myself, I can see why! It really is a fantastic read and a great eye opener into the side of hospitality we don't necessarily see. Funny, insightful, life affirming, you are taken on an intriguing journey. Could not put it down.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very honest and poignant yet funny, with some sadness along the way. David provides a window in to a career spent in the hospitality industry and the life challenges he experienced during his journey. Extremely well written, keeping the reader engaged throughout.

[Sabrina Hack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is highly entertaining, from ups and downs in life, the struggle, the party, the good and the bad. Life is like a rollercoaster. This book has it all. Easy to read although not just platitudes. Real life story written with a lot of Humor.

[Pez Tellett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous memoire by David full of wit and stories from the very top of the profession. We have all eaten in Restaurants but this gives us an insight to what is really going on behind the scenes and more..A delight!

[Panos Adamou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous charming and delightful insight into the other side of hospitality.
Truly a heartfelt collection of funny and entertaining service of Hospitality.

[Liz Lawler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me hooked from the first page. Full of belly laughs and poignant moments. I shall read it again!

[Jessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant collection of experiences and story's. Well put together with witty and heartfelt narrative. Such an insight into this aspect of customer service roles and expectations.

[charmian quinlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally couldn't put this book down. Heart warming, self deprecating and very funny, David shares details of his life and career in the world of hospitality. A brilliant read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable, hilarious & somewhat poignant tale. A good read from start to finish. Highly recommended.

[Carole Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions of a Waiter has been a joy to read. David was no ordinary waiter - lots of laughs, raised eyebrows and an eye-popping insight into the hotel and B&B businesses. Great stuff!

[Hanci-Hanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to get pulled into the stories and thanks to vivid, well-written and described stories it is an easy and enjoyable reading.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Found it highly entertaining and I couldn’t stop reading it. Would highly recommend!!